Every Day Matters at DES!
Regular attendance is one of the most important foundations for a child’s success in school. Each day at Duanesburg Elementary School gives students opportunities to learn, build relationships, develop routines, practice important skills, and feel connected to their school community.
In elementary school, these days add up. Strong attendance helps children build the academic and social-emotional foundations they need now, while also establishing habits that support success throughout middle school, high school, and beyond.
We also understand that there are many reasons a child may miss school. Our goal is to partner with families, identify barriers early, and provide support when needed.
How We Monitor & Support Attendance at DES
Attendance at Duanesburg Elementary School is closely monitored by our Attendance Team throughout the school year. Approximately every seven weeks, the team reviews attendance data for all students.
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days, including both excused and unexcused absences. At each review period, our team looks at each student’s attendance in relation to the number of school days that have occurred at that point in the year. This allows us to recognize patterns early, connect with families, and provide support before attendance becomes a larger concern.
We approach attendance through a tiered system of support, similar to the way we support students in other areas of their school experience.
Tier 1: Building strong attendance habits for every student.
Tier 1 supports are provided to all DES students and families. We focus on creating a welcoming school environment where students feel known, connected, and excited to be at school. This includes building strong relationships, communicating with families about the importance of regular attendance, recognizing strong and improved attendance, and monitoring attendance throughout the year.
Tier 2: Noticing patterns early and working together to help.
When attendance data shows that a student is approaching or has reached the chronic absenteeism threshold, our team will connect personally with the family. Our goal is to better understand what may be contributing to missed school and work together to identify supports that can help.
Supports may include an attendance goal, regular family communication, connection with a trusted adult at school, support with morning routines or transitions, or other strategies based on the individual student’s needs.
Tier 3: Providing individualized support when attendance concerns continue.
When a student’s attendance continues to be a significant concern despite earlier supports, the school and family will work together to develop a more individualized plan. This may include a problem-solving meeting, an individualized attendance plan, a designated school contact, more frequent communication and progress monitoring, and coordination with additional school or community resources when appropriate.
Our Goal
At every level, our goal is the same: to work in partnership with families so that every student can be present, connected, and ready to learn.
Attendance isn’t simply about being in a seat—it is about making sure our students have access to the learning, relationships, experiences, and sense of belonging that happen at DES every day.
DES Absence Form
Please use this from to report when your child will be absent from school on a given day. This form will count as your “note” to school.